Unity is strength is the motto of Roma branded José Mourinho. The first round of the round of 16 of the Europa League is for the Giallorossi, who beat Real Sociedad 2-0 at the Olimpico. And also the signatures of two players not really protagonists of the Roma season like El Shaarawy and Kumbulla let us understand how the power of this team lies above all in the compactness and desire of all the members of the group to determine. And this can only be thanks to the Portuguese coach, who has given this team an enviable defensive solidity. Rome, especially at home, in the arms of its ever-present public in large numbers, is a difficult castle to penetrate. So much so that Rui Patricio hasn’t conceded a goal since the defeat in the Coppa Italia against Cremonese. From then on, 5 home clean sheets, two of which in Europe. Which becomes ten if we consider the entire season.
The Giallorossi found their security in the defensive wall led by the duo Smalling and Mancini, who were also impeccable tonight on all the offensive attempts by David Silva and his teammates. The Spaniards scared Roma’s goal little or nothing, especially in the first half. Shortly before the quarter of an hour, a textbook counterattack triggered by Dybala and concluded by the great play of Abraham and the winning paw of El Shaarawy gave Roma the lead. To highlight the 60-metre bucking of the Italian full-back to close the action at the far post. And after all Mourinho had said that leaving him out in this period looked so much like a sacrilege. The answer comes only with little Kubo, who however bumps into Rui Patricio’s exit.
In the second half, Roma managed the result with serenity, except for a very dangerous insertion by Merino, who, however, incredibly missed a stone’s throw from goal. So Mourinho’s team closes it with his best offensive weapon, set pieces. Dybala pens on the long post for the third perfect time by Kumbulla who writes the final 2-0. Belotti’s substitute tests were also positive, who hit an outside post with a super play, and Spinazzola. And Roma have also found the best Karsdorp. In short, only good news from the parts of Trigoria. But the work is still to be completed, and celebrating early is never a good idea.
